Access from K-7 to I-70 closed after accident

An excavator in transport on Interstate 70 struck the Kansas Highway 7 exit ramp bridge today, causing the state to close the bridge as it is inspected for damage.

All access from K-7 to I-70, as well as from eastbound I-70 to K-7, was closed while the bridge inspection work was completed, and officials now say it will remain closed for some time for repairs. An oversized semitrailer carrying an excavator was traveling eastbound on I-70 struck the bridge around 2 p.m. No other vehicles were involved in the accident and no injuries were reported.

Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Turnpike Authority officials closed access to the bridge as of 2:45. KDOT officials reported inspection work has been completed and several beams on the ramp bridge have been damaged. The damaged beams will need to repaired before the bridge ramp can be reopened to traffic, so the ramp bridge will be closed for an extended period of time, this weekend included.

A similar incident occurred at the same bridge July 2. Kimberly Qualls, KDOT spokesperson, said there was no clear reason why the bridge was hit either time.

“All the bridges have the signs on them for the clearance, so it’s hard to know why that one keeps getting hit,” Qualls said.